Tag: Darlene Robinson
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Unity In The Community
On Monday, November 24, 2025 a cooperative effort between the Black Belt Community Foundation, ASAC Farmers, Federation of Southern Cooperatives, Greene Count HealthCare System Foundation, and Woman To Woman, Inc. provided bags of groceries along with fresh collard greens to citizens of Greene County. Many homes and families were served. The aim was to provide meals and reduce food insecurity during the holiday season.
The Chief of Police, Reverend Kendrick Howell, and his department, provided police protection to ensure a smooth traffic flow and helped to reduce congestion.
The volunteers shown above (Left to Right) Shelia Daniels, Darlene Robinson, Johnnie Knott, Calvin Knott, Mary McInnis, Terrance Bell, Pinna Hines, Barbara Carpenter, and Judy Spree. Not shown Bernice Barnes, Bessie “Bone” Davis, Willie Mae Davis, Annie Gaines, and Geraldine Walton. -
Charity Days provide $116,00 in grants Greene County Racing Commission distributes $720,000 for first 2 quarters of 2025
Front Row – Commissioner Donald F. Means, Commissioner Linette Brown, Commissioner Morris Hardy, State Representative Curtis Travis Back Row – Johnny Isaac, Lameka Bryant, Cortnei Hood, Mollie Rowe, Reginald Spencer, Marquita Lennon, Christopher Jones, Marcia Pugh, Andrea Woods, Charlie McAlpine, Miriam Leftwich, Darlene Robinson, Johnnie Knott, Marilyn Gibson, Brandon Merriweather, Hodges Smith, Hattie Samuel, Howard Crawford, James Morrow, Teresa M Atkins, Brenda Burke, Anita Lewis.
The Greene County Racing Commission (Linette Brown–Chairperson, Morris Hardy–Vice-Chairman, and Donald Means–Secretary), was joined by Alabama State Representative Curtis Travis, legal counsel Brenda M. Pompey, Esq., and Office Manager Gerry Coleman on August 8, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. to welcome recipients of its 2025 Charity Awards disbursements. Also, welcomed were recipients of disbursements under Senate Bill #40, Act No. 223-206 (“Bill”) for the first and second quarters of 2025. These awards were made possible through proceeds generated from licensed gaming activities at the Palace.
Chairperson Brown explained that the Racing Commission hold two charity days each year – one in March and one in July – which are advertised approximately two weeks in advance. The funds raised during these events make up the money distributed as charity disbursements. The Commission’s goal is to assist as many qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations as possible that provide vital services to the community. These organizations offer a range of support, including health initiatives, food drives, parenting and adoption guidance, housing assistance, youth development and camps; fire and emergency services, educational, and social services. The Racing Commission encourages everyone to support charity days at the Palace.
This year, the Racing Commission was proud to support a total of 12 charities, including the Greene County Volunteer Fire Association which represents 14 volunteer fire departments. Chairperson Brown said, “We’re proud to support the important work being done across our communities, and we recognize the impact these funds have for those in need.” The Commission remains committed to ensuring that these proceeds benefit organizations that align with its mission to promote public welfare and community enrichment. The total amount for charity this year was $116, 500.00.
The second group of disbursements, based on the Bill, covered both the first and second quarters of 2025. Under the Bill, each recipient’s percentage is determined by legislation. Chairperson Brown reminded the mayors representing the various municipalities across Greene County of the importance of encouraging their constituents to complete the Census survey, as each municipality’s award is determined by its population – the larger the population, the larger the award.
The Statement of Distribution details the amounts allocated to each recipient under the Bill. The distributed for the first two quarters of 2025 was $720,000.00.
Future allocations under the Bill will be made quarterly, subject to the continued availability of funds. The Commission has requested that the Greene County Commission issue payments within the next 10 days (by August 18th) to recipients who receive funds under the Bill.
On behalf of the Greene County Racing Commission, Chairperson Brown said, “Though it’s been a long time coming, the Commission is grateful that the road has led to this moment, where we can give back to the people of Greene County. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank the citizens of Greene County for their patience, kindness, and support along the way. Every bit of the funds shared today is meant for the citizens of Greene County, and for the good of the county we all call home.”
Chairperson Brown thanked everyone for attending, for the work they do in their communities, and for their continued partnership. She said the Racing Commission looks forward to seeing the positive impact these funds will make in our county.
Linette Brown, Chairperson
Morris Hardy, Vice-Chairman
Donald F. Means, Secretary
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In 20 years BBCF provided $100 million in grants to Black Belt with Greene County receiving $880,803
BBCF holds listening sessions in Black Belt counties
Participants at Greene County Listening Session and L to R: Darlene Robinson, Carol Zippert, Rev. Chris Spencer, Miriam Leftwich and Johnnie Morning.
The Black Belt Community Foundation (BBCF) conducted a series of county-wide listening sessions across its 12-county service area in Alabama’s Black Belt Region, including Bullock, Choctaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Perry, Pickens, Sumter, Wilcox.
The Greene County listening session, chaired by BBCF staff Rev. Christopher Spencer, was held Tuesday evening, June 24, 2025 at the Greene County Baptist Association facility on Finches Ferry Road in Eutaw. Approximately 40 persons participated, including local groups who are recipients of BBCF grants.
Greetings were brought by Miriam Leftwich, Greene County Community Associates Coordinator and Co-Coordinator and BBCF Greene County Board Member Darlene Robinson.
These gatherings were designed to provide a vital platform for residents, community leaders, grassroots organizations, and local stakeholders to come together and share their voices on the pressing issues, opportunities, and needs facing their communities.
The listening sessions created a welcoming, inclusive space where participants could openly discuss challenges related to education, healthcare access, economic development, infrastructure, cultural preservation and much more.
In each county the gathering separated into small discussion groups to address the following topics: What are our greatest strengths as a community; What would our ideal community look like if we had no limitations; Based on your answer, what is needed to create your ideal community; What are the most important things we need to focus on in the next 1-2 years to grow our community into the place we would like it to be. The small group responses were listed on charts and shared when the larger group re-assembled.
Feedback gathered from these sessions will directly inform BBCF’s strategic priorities, investments, grant-making initiatives, and collaborative partnerships moving forward.
These listening sessions were patterned after the initial community gatherings 20 years ago which were the cornerstones giving birth to BBCF. During that organizing period, a volunteer coordinating committee visited each county to hear from the people what they saw as their community assets. This committee envisioned that the best way for the Alabama Black Belt to capitalize on Taking what we have to make what we need was to determine what we really had. These community sessions led to the formation of BBCF.
The Black Belt Community Foundation reaffirms its commitment to working alongside the people of the Black Belt — amplifying their voices, honoring their experiences, and investing in the dreams and solutions that emerge from within. Since its incorporation, BBCF has deployed nearly $100 million into the Black Belt through partnerships with more that 200 regional nonprofit organizations throughout the Black Belt.
From 2005 to 2025, Greene County has received a total of $880,803 in BBCF community and arts grants and in support of other projects relating to healthy food provisions, health care information, storm damage assistance and more.
Ms. Felecia Lucky, who was a member of the organizing committee for BBCF will leave her position as CEO/President in September to assume a similar leadership role with the F.B. Heron Foundation. Rev. Christopher Spencer, who was engaged in the organizing sessions in Sumter County and worked on the BBCF staff since the early years, has been selected by the BBCF board to serve as CEO/President.
The session adjourned with the participants enthusiastic with the prospects of new approaches for working together to grow Greene County. Refreshments were shared with all in attendance. -
Local credit union boast of $1.6 million in assets FOGCE Credit Union holds annual ‘drop-by’ membership meeting
Anastashia Rice, Credit Union Supervisory Committee Member, Darlene Robinson, Supervisory Committee Chairperson and Joyce Pham, Credit Union Manager, greet members at annual meeting. The Federation of Greene County Employees Federal Credit Union (FOGCE Federal Credit Union), based in Eutaw, AL, held its annual membership gathering as a Drop-By Meeting, on Thursday, December 15, 2022, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Members visited the credit union’s office during that time period to sign-in and receive a gift bag with annual operational reports on the credit union, as well as various holiday treats. According to Manager Joyce Pham, 49 members participated in the Drop-By Meeting and were able to cast their ballots for board and credit committee elections.
Ms. Jackie Allen, Mr. Earnest Edmond and Dr. Carol Zippert were re-elected to the FOGCE Federal Credit Union Board of Directors and Mrs. Mary Dunn, Mr. Rodney Pham and Ms. Vonda Richardson were re-elected to the Credit Committee.
The members’ sign-in roster also served as the basis of selection for awarding door prizes.
Board members scheduled individual volunteer time to meet and greet members while assisting in maintaining the safe distance as members participated in the Drop-By Annual Membership Meeting.
The credit union is obligated to hold an annual membership meeting, and the board of directors and staff recognize the responsibility of maintaining a safe environment for the credit union’s continued service to members. The board announced that the credit union, which was certified as a Community Development Financial Institution in 2021, subsequently received in 2022, a CDFI Fund grant of $125,000 for new equipment, technological upgrades, technical assistance, education, training and staff support.
The credit union also received a $3,500 grant from the Alabama State Association of Cooperatives, a component of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives, Land Assistance fund. These resources are designated for facility upgrades. FOGCE currently has assets of $1.6 million.
The December FOGCE Board of Directors meeting followed at 4:00 p.m. at which time the board conducted its reorganization of officers. By acclamation, the body retained all its presiding officers: Carol P. Zippert as President; Darlene Robinson as Vice President; Mollie Rowe as Secretary and Jimmie Paster as Treasurer.
The FOGCE Federal Credit Union is located at 112 Prairie Avenue, Eutaw, AL, across from the Thomas E. Gilmore Courthouse Square. Any one residing or working in Greene County can be eligible for membership. -
BBCF Greene County Community Associates collect and ship water donations to Jackson
Shown Darlene Robinson, BBCF Board President, Community Assoicates Mollie Rowe, Miriam Leftwich, Geraldine Walton and John Zippert. 
Volunteers load truck with water 
L to R: Employee of Stay N On the Move Trucking Co. Amos Dewayne Cameron, his Dad Daniel Gill UHaul Driver and Rev. Wendell H. Paris of Jackson, MS, upon arrival in Jackson.
Submitted by Miriam Leftwich
Cities across the county had been collecting water donations since the beginning of September, after the clean water crisis broke out in Jackson, MS. The Greene County Community Associates, of the Black Belt Community Foundation, took the lead in Eutaw, Alabama to help our neighbors in Jackson get bottled water. We knew that we needed to help out however we could.
Special thanks to our Mayor Latasha Johnson, who allowed the trailer to be parked on the premises of the Robert H. Young Community Center which was also the collection site.
Stay N On the Move Trucking, LLC allowed use of a trailer and transported the collected bottled water to Jackson, Mississippi. Donations poured in from the beginning of the Water Drive up until minutes prior to departure.
I am so grateful to this community, to all of the Pastors and the church families who took part in this drive, and to the Pastors and Deacons that helped to load and unload water from various destinations, to all of the Greek Letter organizations, Volunteer Fire Departments, Masonic and Eastern Star Lodges, Greene County High School Principal, students, and staff, Flowers Bakery, Tishabee Senior Citizens, Eutaw Housing Authority, Greene County Retired Educators Association, McInnis Mortuary, Greene County Ushers Alliance, Commissioner Allen Turner, Jr., Black Belt Law. All of the support that you showed was absolutely great.
There were approximately 38 organizations and 45 families that represented by showing up and donating numerous cases of water. Donations poured in from as far as California. We even had donations shipped via FED EX. Hale, Sumter, Choctaw, and Tuscaloosa counties also contributed. All of the love that your residents showed us will never be forgotten.
Approximately 325,000 bottles of water were collected. We are forever thankful to each and every one of you. We collected enough water to fill the trailer and had to get a second vehicle for the excess water. To our Sheriff and his staff, we tip our hats to you for such a wonderful sendoff. The Sheriff escorted the trucks from the Community Center to the Boligee exit.
The drivers had a safe trip; water was delivered and those on the receiving end were grateful to have it and expressed their appreciation for a job well done. -
Cancer Awareness Color Me Fun Run/Walk held
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This time of year is typically flooded with shades of pink as people come together to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. United Purpose, Incorporated Girl Scout Troop 408, Greene County Human Rights Commission, Greene County Community Health Advisors co-sponsor their 1st Annual Color Run/Walk to promote Cancer Awareness. The event was held Saturday, October 9, 2021 at the The Eutaw City Park. The event kicked off at 10:00 am with lot of family fun activities throughout the program. The Color Run/Walk a multipurpose event to promote healthiness and happiness by bringing the community together and to raise Cancer Awareness. Participants dusted with an array of color powder as they passed specific mile markers. Darlene Robinson, Human Rights Commissions and Greene County /Hale Co. CHAs delivered greeting; Eutaw Mayor Latasha Johnson presented words of welcome; Marilyn Sanford rendered an inspirational reading, Miriam Leftwich United Purpose & Girl Scout 408 Coordinator also presented greetings. Mollie Rowe the memorial, a celebratory walk by the survivors; D.J. Birdman rendered the music, dancing, photo opportunities and a massive color throw. Sponsorships helped defay the cost of organizing the event to benefit Ora Lee Smith Cancer Research Foundation for 2021, for patients in the Greene County area. Early Detection is the Best Protection!
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FOGCE Federal Credit Union holds Annual Meeting
The Federation of Greene County Employees (FOGCE) Federal Credit Union held its 44th Annual Meeting on December 19, 2019 in the recently dedicated Willie Carpenter Conference Room in the credit union offices at 112 Prairie Avenue, on the Courthouse Square in Eutaw, Alabama.
Joyce Pham, Credit Union Manager announced that as of December 31, 2018, the FOGCE Federal Credit Union had assets of $1,314, 887, which included $896,874 of member’s shares, a $100,000 non-member deposit and the rest in reserves and undivided earnings. She reported a surplus of $10,076 in income over expenses for the year.
She reported that the credit union had $466,544 in outstanding loans to members, $111,867 in cash, $31,000 invested in its building and the rest invested in other credit unions. She indicated that the credit union had 896 members.
Rodney Pham, speaking for the Credit Committee stated that the credit union had made 449 new loans in 2018 for $338,675 including five car loans for $105,535.
He said the credit union has a variety of loans, from small unsecured loans up to $500, larger loans for home repair, appliances, school expenses and other personal loans, as well as car loans for new and used cars.
Carol Zippert, President of the FOGCE FCU reported on the history of the credit union movement and the specific growth of the local credit union since 1975. “We are saving and borrowing each others money. In one of the smallest, poorest counties in Alabama, we have accumulated over $1.3 million by working collectively together. In 44 years, we have grown the credit union to over a million in assets and moved from rented rooms in the back of other buildings to our own offices at the Courthouse Square in Eutaw.”
Zippert indicated that the FOGCE Federal Credit Union was regulated and supervised by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), a division of the U. S. Treasury Department. The NCUA also guarantees deposits in the Credit Union up to $250,000 for each account, similar to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation guarantee for bank accounts.
“NCUA makes sure your deposits are safe but they also have been very hard on smaller size credit unions like ours. They are always suggesting that we merge with a larger credit union. They are not encouraging credit unions like ours, which teach self-determination and self-development of financial skills, thrift and systematic savings in the Black community,” said Zippert
Zippert also announced that the Credit Union Board had named the conference room in the back of it’s office building, as the Willie Carpenter Conference Room, in honor of the longtime Treasurer of the credit union, who passed away during the past year. “We will be placing a framed picture of Mr. Carpenter in the room with a written statement of his the dedicated work in building the FOGCE FCU over the past four decades,” said Zippert.
Darlene Robinson, Vice-President pointed out that the FOGCE FCU has payroll deduction with the major employers in Greene County, such as the School Board, Catfish plant, Hospital, WestRock box factory and many others. “This means that you can make savings and pay loans through your place of work. The funds will come out of your check and come automatically to the credit union,” she said.
Darlene Robinson was also Mistress of Ceremony for the Annual meeting and conducted elections, distributed door prizes and played some Christmas related games. Two members were re-elected to the Credit Union Board, Carol P. Zippert and Earnest Edmonds and one new member, Jackie Allen, was elected for three-year terms. James Powell and Debbie Rice were re-elected to the Credit Committee, which evaluates and approves loans.
Robinson pointed out that the “FOGCE Federal Credit Union is open to all who live, work or worship in Greene County.
Membership is $10 plus a minimum first deposit of $25. You can save regularly and systematically and your savings will grow. Then when you need a loan – you have a friendly place to borrow. The Credit Union office, on the Courthouse Square, at 112 Prairie Avenue, phone number 205/372-9025, is open weekdays, to receive new members.” -
BBCF Greene County Associates collect 3,400 pairs of shoes with Funds2Orgs
The Greene County Associates of the Black Belt Community Foundation (BBCF) completed a two-month drive seeking new and slightly used shoes for distribution to small-scale entrepreneurs in Africa, Haiti and other nations.
The Greene County Associates shown in photo, L. to R: Darlene Robinson, Mildred Gill, Carol Zippert, Dean Williams, Nancy and Eddie Cole loaded a truck last week with 136 bags of shoes, with 25 matched pairs in each bag, destined for Funds2Orgs. Others who also assisted in loading the truck included Joe Thomas, Albert Hunter, Melvin Robinson and Kent Daniels. The Greene County Associates want to thank all the people who contributed shoes to this project.
Funds2Orgs works with micro-entrepreneurs in helping them create, maintain and grow small businesses in developing countries where economic opportunity and jobs are limited. Proceeds from the sales of the shoes collected in shoe drive fundraisers are used to feed, clothe and house their families. One budding entrepreneur in Haiti even earned enough to send to her son to law school.
Funds2Orgs will also pay the Greene County Associates, $10 per bag of shoes collected, which goes into our local fundraising efforts for the foundation. The BBCF matches what the local associates raise and grants these funds back to eligible Greene County non-profits serving the community.
“The shoe drive is a win-win for everybody involved. People got to clean out their closets of slightly worn shoes. Funds2Orgs international entrepreneurs received new inventory to sell. The Greene County Associates grew our local fund will be matched and redistributed in community grants,” said Miriam Leftwich, Chairperson of the Greene County BBCF Associates.